NEW Kilmarnock signing Rabiu Ibrahim fell in love with his new side when they played like Barcelona to beat his old club Celtic in the League Cup final last season.

RABIU IBRAHIM has revealed he fell in love with Kilmarnock when he saw them play like Barcelona to beat his old club Celtic.

The Nigerian hitkid sat in the stand at Hampden last March as Kenny Shiels’s side defeated the Hoops to lift the League Cup.

And the 21-year-old insists that made up his mind to leave Parkhead for Killie in the transfer window – and snub a big-money switch to Russia.

Ibrahim admits the competition for places at Celtic made it impossible to make the breakthrough.

But the former Sporting Lisbon and PSV starlet is planning to show Lennon what he’s missing.

As he prepared for a possible Rugby Park debut against Dundee United today, Ibrahim said: “I watched Kilmarnock in the League Cup Final against Celtic and enjoyed the way they played.

“That’s when I fell in love with them, I loved the passing football and they played with confidence. They played like Barcelona that day.

“So I kept following them and they also beat Celtic 2-0 in the league. They play great football and this is a good change for me, I’m happy.

“I had the option of going to Russia and would have earned more there. Sometimes, it’s not always about the money.The atmosphere is great at Kilmarnock. It’s like one big family and I just want to get back playing.

“I wouldn’t say I was frustrated at Celtic because it’s a great club. Neil Lennon’s a good man who always encouraged me. But the opportunities just weren’t there for me.

“I improved as a player at Celtic, they taught me a lot. But my direct competition was Scott Brown, Beram Kayal, Joe Ledley and Victor Wanyama – they’re all great players.

“At Kilmarnock I’m hoping to show Celtic what they missed. I want to play for myself and the team – and help us win more trophies.

“I can only improve by playing every week. Without games you can’t have confidence so I need games to develop.”

At 16, Ibrahim was called up by then Nigeria boss Berti Vogts for the Africa Cup of Nations but was forced to withdraw through injury. As a teenager, he was named as one of the best young talents in world football but his career has since stalled.

He suffered another blow recently when he was dropped from Nigeria’s provisional squad for the African Nations in South Africa which starts today.

But Ibrahim is adamant Killie could have a player at the 2014 World Cup after he forces his way back into the Super Eagles side.

He said: “When I was 16 I got the call I wanted but I couldn’t use it because of the injury so it wasn’t a good time for me.

“This year I was so close. But they called me at the last minute and I arrived late.

“Because I haven’t been playing they hadn’t seen me. They wanted to see I was still the same player and I did well in training. But they assured me I’m still in their plans for the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria are first in their group and doing well.

“I would have been in the Nigeria team a long time ago but haven’t been playing for my club.

“That disappointment will just make me more determined to get back in. I’m a fighter.

“My deal at Kilmarnock is for two years so it would be interesting if I could be a Kilmarnock player at the World Cup in Brazil.”

Killie have lost playmaker Liam Kelly to Bristol City in the transfer window and Ibrahim has told Rugby Park fans he can fill that void.

He added: “It’s a pity Liam had to go but it’s for his career and we’re happy for him.

“I’m here to show the fans they don’t have to feel bad about losing some players.

“I’m here to bring even more than they did to the club. I’m an entertainer but the result comes first.”